SYDNEY, May 17 (UPI) -- Australian federal and state authorities continued Wednesday with joint counter-terror exercises despite accusations of a "publicity stunt."
The exercise, called Neptune's Treasure, was being staged in Sydney Harbor and involved a scenario in which terrorists seize two cross-harbor commuter ferries as a prelude to seizing an oil tanker.
"Today we have another PR stunt from the state government on terrorism," said opposition state politician Andrew Humpherson. "We still do not have any comprehensive plan for the evacuation" of the harbor and city in the event of a terrorist attack.
The federal government and New South Wales authorities, however, defend the exercise as necessary in determining state and federal preparedness.
The exercise included the islands of Spectacle and Cockatoo and Chowder Bay.
Military forces, police and emergency services were all involved.
The Australian reported Humpherson's criticism was focused solely on the state government, which he said should "get to basics" and fashion evacuation plans for the state's major urban centers.
